Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

Depending on the area that needs to be removed, the doctor will make an incision in the neck or abdomen using one of these techniques:

An open procedure using one large incision. The diseased area will be located and removed.

A laproscopic procedure that uses several small incisions. A tiny camera and small surgical instruments will be inserted through the incisions. Looking at the esophagus on a monitor, the doctor will locate and remove the diseased area.

A replacement esophagus will be formed with part of the stomach
or large intestine. The remainder of the esophagus will be attached to this new esophagus. In some cases, lymph nodes in the area will also be removed. One or more chest tubes will be placed to drain fluids.
Lastly, the incisions will be closed with stitches or staples.

How Long Will It Take?

About 6 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 1-2 weeks. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You will not be able to eat or drink anything during the first week after surgery. You will get nutrition through a feeding tube. Within 7-14 days, you will have a swallowing test to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, your diet will gradually progress from clear liquids to soft, solid meals. You will probably be able to return to a normal diet after about a month. Your stomach
may
be smaller, so you will need to eat smaller portions.

You will also need to do deep breathing exercises. You may be given an incentive spirometer. This is a device to help you breath deeply.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

You will need to restrict your activities, including heavy lifting, for 6-8 weeks. Follow instructions on home exercises to promote healing. Monitor your incision for infection. Follow instructions on cleaning and changing the dressing.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Persistent nausea and/or vomiting

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Constipation or diarrhea

Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.